Gossip Harbour is a massively-successful game making the leap to alternative app stores, but why?

You've likely seen ads for Gossip Harbour, even if you don't play it. This merge-and-story puzzle game, a surprising hit, has earned developer Microfun over $10 million on Google Play alone. But its success story takes an unexpected turn: a partnership with Flexion to launch on "alternative app stores."

What are alternative app stores? Simply put, they're any app store besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even established stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed by the dominance of the two giants.

The Alternative App Store Advantage

Why the move to alternative app stores? Profitability is a key factor. However, alternative app stores are also poised for significant growth.

Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are pushing for greater acceptance of alternative app stores. Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are capitalizing on this trend through promotions and sales. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the switch.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on alternative app stores as the next big thing in mobile gaming. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen.

If you're looking for engaging puzzle games, check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android!